Using a Koh Samui taxi
The best way to relax and enjoy the tropical vibes of Koh Samui, an island in the Gulf of Thailand is to use a quick and reliable Koh Samui taxi. Taxis are affordable, plentiful and easy to find on the street or at designated taxi stands. Alternatively, you can book a taxi over the phone or use an app to arrange a ride.
Regular taxis in Koh Samui are yellow and maroon and can seat up to 4 passengers; they are also air-conditioned, which is a huge bonus when trying to escape the heat. You can arrange a transfer with a company like Welcome Pickups if you need extra space. Meters aren’t used in Koh Samui taxis, so it’s best to negotiate the price before starting your ride.
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How much does a taxi cost?
| Taxi prices | Day time (05:00 - 24:00) | Night time (00:00 - 05:00) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| FROM THE AIRPORT TO CHAWENG | 14 € | 16 € | 10 MIN |
| FROM CHAWENG TO NATHON PIER | 25 € | 28 € | 42 MIN |
| FROM CHAWENG TO BO PHUT BEACH | 16 € | 18 € | 17 MIN |
| NATHON PIER TO THE AIRPORT | 23 € | 23 € | 38 MIN |
| LIPANOI TO CHAWENG BEACH | 25 € | 28 € | 41 MIN |
Koh Samui taxi prices
While most taxis in Koh Samui are equipped with taximeters, drivers on the island generally don’t use them. Unfortunately, official Koh Samui taxi rates are often not adhered to, so your driver will provide a price based on your destination and the time of day. Always try to negotiate your final fare; you can refer to the pricing table below for guidance.
Generally, a 10-minute journey will cost between €8.40 and €11.10 (THB 300-400), while longer journeys between towns or distant beaches can cost up to €41.80 (THB 1,500). Expect higher rates for further destinations such as Maenam, Bang Po, Lipa Noi, or Taling Ngam. Price boards are available at major tourist spots, listing fares to all the major towns and beaches.
Koh Samui Airport taxi prices are fixed based on the zone you are traveling to. You will need to prepay for your ride at the airport taxi counter, where current rates are displayed, and then hand the ticket to your driver.
*Higher rates for taxi rides taken at night.
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How to get a Koh Samui taxi
Flagging down a taxi in Koh Samui couldn’t be easier. Taxis on the island are easily identifiable, with a yellow top and burgundy or maroon bottom. Most display a rooftop “TAXI” sign while some may say “TAXI METER”; However, this doesn’t guarantee that they will use the meter. Additionally, you’ll find taxi stands at all major attractions and outside hotels; just look for a blue and white sign featuring a picture of a taxi enclosed in a circle. Don’t forget that prices are fixed between you and the driver.
How to get a taxi from Koh Samui Airport
The official Koh Samui Airport taxi stand is located on the second floor of the award-winning airport. Simply follow the signs up the escalators to the taxi area. Before getting into a taxi, you must pre-pay for your ride at one of the taxi counters and hand your receipt to the driver. Expect to pay around €14 (THB 500) for a ride from Koh Samui Airport to Chaweng, the island’s main town.
How to get a taxi from Chaweng Beach
Taxis frequently cruise along Chaweng Beach Road –the main road running parallel to the beach– looking for passengers. There are also several permanent taxi stands along this road, such as those located outside the Chaweng Regent Beach Resort, opposite Divas Cabaret, and near McDonalds.
How to get a taxi from Nathon Pier
Nathon Pier is the main ferry terminal on the island. If you’re arriving from the mainland, you’ll likely need a taxi to reach your accommodation. Ferries operate daily on a set schedule, so you will often find local taxi drivers waiting near the jetty to assist passengers. Just be sure to negotiate a price before agreeing to a ride.
How to get a taxi from Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai)
There are usually taxis waiting outside the temple or nearby, especially during peak tourist times. Otherwise, there is a taxi service located inside the entrance near the main road, though it may require a short 5-minute walk to reach.
How to get a taxi from Bophut (Fisherman’s Village)
The roads in this village are often one-way and quite narrow, making it difficult for taxis to stop. However, during the day you can easily find a taxi at the corner near Coco Tam’s along the beach. At night, taxis typically gather around the entrance to the night market.
Most popular taxi apps in Koh Samui
During the busy holiday periods from June to August and December through January, finding a cab on the street can become more difficult, especially if your hotel is not situated near one of the main town centers. This is when a Koh Samui taxi app can come in handy, so you allowing you to request a taxi to your location. The two most popular apps on the island are InDrive – which only accepts cash payments – and Grab. Keep in mind that these apps are often restricted from picking up passengers from the airport due to the taxi syndicate.
On the other hand, it’s possible to arrange a Koh Samui Airport transfer with Welcome Pickups, which is authorized to pick up and drop off passengers at the airport. You’ll be met by an English-speaking driver and enjoy a comfortable, modern vehicle at a competitive, fixed fare.
Useful taxi numbers in Koh Samui
Another way to arrange a taxi service in Koh Samui is to call a local taxi number. It’s a good idea to note down the number of taxi drivers with whom you’ve had positive experiences, so you can use them again in the future. You can also ask your hotel for recommendations, or have them call a taxi for you.
Some of the higher-rated taxi companies in the area include:
- Mr. Tap Taxi: +66 83 509 6577
- Sek Taxi Samui: +66 80 019 1178
- Smile Taxi: +66 096 165 9635
Benefits of booking your Koh Samui taxi with Welcome
Communicating with local drivers in a different language and negotiating prices can be stressful and time-consuming. To simplify your travel experience, consider booking your taxi in advance with Welcome Pickups. We offer competitive fixed rates, English-speaking local drivers, guaranteed on-time pickups, and 24/7 customer support throughout your stay in Koh Samui.
Koh Samui taxi tips
- Make sure to agree on your Koh Samui taxi fare before starting your journey to avoid being overcharged.
- Any journey from Koh Samui Airport will have a fixed rate based on zones.
- A standard taxi in Koh Samui can carry up to 4 passengers.
- Tipping your driver isn’t expected, but it is appreciated if they help you load and unload items or provide exceptional service.
- For a more unique experience, consider using a Songthaew in Koh Samui, which is an adapted truck offering shared rides around towns and major tourist destinations.
- Since there aren’t many drivers, rides booked through an app may not always be the cheapest or the fastest to arrive.
- It’s common to message a driver on WhatsApp or Line to arrange a ride.
- Even after negotiating, expect to pay about 200 baht more as a tourist compared to a local.
- You can ask your hotel to inform you about the prices to and from popular locations.
- Be sure to carry smaller bills, as not all drivers will hand back change for larger notes.
- If you choose to use a motorbike taxi, always wear a helmet.
- If a driver suggests an unreasonable price, feel free to walk away and wait for the next taxi.
Wheelchair-accessible taxi in Koh Samui
If you or one of your travel companions uses a wheelchair, local taxis in Koh Samui may not be a suitable transport option, as they typically aren’t equipped with hydraulic lifts or ramps. While some taxis can accommodate a foldable wheelchair, it’s advisable to pre-book a ride with a company that specializes in adapted vehicles. To ensure a suitable vehicle will be available upon your arrival, we recommend contacting your hotel or accommodation for information on local services catering to wheelchair users.
Koh Samui taxi safety and complaints
Using a taxi service in Koh Samui is generally safe. However, since local taxis aren’t heavily monitored or regulated, you may occasionally encounter issues such as overcharging or unprofessional drivers. To avoid such problems, research your journey’s typical cost before negotiating the price with your driver. When discussing prices, it’s best to approach your driver calmly and respectfully.
If you face any issues, write down the taxi’s registration number and driver ID, request a receipt, and report the incident to the taxi company or local police.